Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Timbuktu, Mali, the month of May showcases the peak of summer with soaring temperatures. Expect maximums reaching an impressive 45°C (114°F), while the average hovers around 35°C (96°F), providing a warm yet lively atmosphere. The nights offer a mild respite, presenting minimum temperatures around 21°C (70°F). Notably, precipitation is minimal, with only 1 mm recorded and zero rainy days, contributing to the arid climate. With humidity levels at a low 21%, the dry heat underscores the harsh, yet captivating essence of this historical desert city.
In May, Timbuktu experiences a noticeable rise in temperatures, signaling the onset of the hotter months ahead. With a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and an average soaring to 35°C (96°F), this month marks a significant leap from the cooler days of early spring. The maximum temperatures can reach up to 45°C (114°F), making it one of the hottest months of the year. As the heat intensifies, the desert climate begins to envelop the city, creating a vibrant yet challenging environment for locals and visitors alike. This trend of escalating warmth continues into June, making May a transitional period that highlights the extreme temperatures typical of the region.
In Timbuktu, Mali, May marks the very beginning of a shift in the arid landscape, with a scant 1 mm (0.0 in) of precipitation. After months of dry conditions, this slight drizzle barely hints at the wetter days that lie ahead, serving as a precursor to the upcoming rainy season. Notably, May stands out with 0 precipitation days, reflecting the persistent dryness that characterizes the beginning of the year. As the seasons progress, a significant upturn in rain occurs in June, with 3 mm (0.1 in), paving the way for more substantial downpours later in the summer months. This gradual increase highlights a distinct transformation in the region's climate, as the once parched terrain prepares for its lush rejuvenation.
In May, Timbuktu experiences a noticeable shift in humidity, jumping to 21% after the dry spells of earlier months. This transition marks the beginning of a rising trend that leads into the summer, as humidity levels steadily increase from the low 9% recorded in April. Following May, the climate becomes increasingly humid, peaking in August at a more significant 65%. This pattern illustrates Timbuktu's gradual move from its arid winter months into a more humid summer, showcasing the region's distinct seasonal variations.
May in Timbuktu, Mali, presents an extremely high UV Index of 13, indicating that sun exposure is particularly hazardous. With a burn time of only 10 minutes, it’s crucial to take precautions against skin damage. This month’s UV levels follow a gradual trend of intensity that starts in January at a UV Index of 9, peaks in April at 14, and remains largely elevated throughout the summer months. As you venture outside in May, remember that protection from the sun is essential, reflecting a pattern in which vigilance is needed year-round. For detailed UV forecasts and tips on staying safe, visit Timbuktu UV Index.
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May shines brightly in Timbuktu, Mali, with an impressive 344 hours of sunshine, marking a peak in the year’s daylight hours. The month reflects a steady increase in sunlight that begins in January with 250 hours and steadily climbs through the spring. By April, the sun begins to reach its zenith, setting the stage for May's vibrant glow. Following May, June continues to enjoy abundant sunshine, though just slightly less, at 334 hours. This consistent pattern of increasing sunlight reveals the warm embrace of the Malian sun, fostering the region’s dynamic landscapes and vibrant culture throughout the vibrant month of May.
In Timbuktu, Mali, the month of May brings a 72% chance of sunny weather, making it a favorable time for outdoor activities. This figure, while slightly lower than the sunny days recorded in the preceding months of April (80%) and March (81%), still indicates a strong likelihood of clear skies. Notably, May's sunny weather probability is part of a trend where the chances of sun generally fluctuate but remain robust in the first half of the year, with June emerging as the month with the highest sunshine likelihood at 83%. As the city transitions into the summer months, residents and visitors alike can expect a mix of bright days and mild temperatures.
In Timbuktu, Mali, the duration of daylight undergoes subtle yet significant variations throughout the year. Starting with a consistent 11 hours in the early months of January and February, daylight begins to stretch in March and April, reaching 12 hours. The peak sunlight arrives in June when the city basks in 13 hours of daylight, providing ample time for exploration and cultural activities. Following this brief peak, daylight hours gradually decrease again, settling back to 12 hours from July through September. As the year winds down, October sees a return to 11 hours, and this pattern persists until the start of a new year, illustrating a rhythmic cycle of light that characterizes life in this historic city.
In Timbuktu, Mali, the month of May brings slightly lighter breezes, with an average wind speed of 3.8 m/s (8 mph), marking it as one of the calmer months of the year. This gentle wind is a notable drop from the preceding months, reflecting a trend of fluctuating wind speeds leading into the summer. Notably, as the year progresses, winds typically peak in March at 4.7 m/s (11 mph) before gradually diminishing by May. The month serves as a transition, where the prevailing breezes signal the subtle shift towards the hotter months ahead. Overall, while May's winds are milder, they still contribute to the unique atmospheric charm of this historic city.
Weather in Timbuktu varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Timbuktu, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and an average high reaching 35°C (96°F), peaking at a scorching 45°C (114°F). Despite this heat, the month is characterized by virtually no precipitation, maintaining humidity at 21%. In contrast, January offers a much cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to an average of 22°C (71°F), and a maximum of 38°C (100°F). Like May, January also sees no rainfall and slightly lower humidity at 16%. For more details on January weather conditions, you can refer to Timbuktu weather in January.
May and February exhibit contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 21°C (70°F), averaging a scorching 35°C (96°F), and peaking at a sweltering 45°C (114°F). The month experiences virtually no precipitation, leaving humidity at a relatively low 21%. In contrast, February features milder temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F), an average of 25°C (77°F), and a maximum of 38°C (101°F). Similar to May, February also experiences no rainfall, but it has a slightly lower humidity level at 12%. For more details on February's weather in Timbuktu, visit Timbuktu weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May is significantly warmer, experiencing average temperatures soaring up to 35°C (96°F), with a maximum reaching a scorching 45°C (114°F). In contrast, March features milder temperatures, with an average of 29°C (84°F) and a maximum of 41°C (106°F). Both months are remarkably dry, with no recorded precipitation; however, May presents a slightly higher humidity level at 21%, compared to March's 11%. For more detailed information about March weather, you can check this link: Timbuktu weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, we can see that both months experience dry conditions, with no recorded precipitation in either month. However, May tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 35°C (96°F) compared to April’s average of 32°C (91°F). The minimum temperature in May is also higher at 21°C (70°F) versus April's 18°C (64°F). Additionally, while both months exhibit relatively low humidity, May's humidity level is slightly higher at 21% compared to April's 9%. For additional details on April's weather, you can visit Timbuktu weather in April.
May and June present noticeably warm weather, with both months experiencing high temperatures. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 45°C (114°F), with an average of 35°C (96°F). Notably, May sees minimal precipitation, with no recorded rainy days and a humidity level of only 21%. In contrast, June exhibits slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 26°C (79°F), an average of 36°C (97°F), and a maximum of 46°C (115°F). June also experiences a bit more rainfall, with 3 mm (0.1 in) over one day and significantly increased humidity at 49%. For more detailed information, you can check out Timbuktu weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, we see a notable difference in temperature and humidity levels. May boasts higher average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a scorching maximum of 45°C (114°F), with an average of 35°C (96°F) and virtually no precipitation. The humidity is relatively low at 21%, making the heat feel slightly more bearable. In contrast, July's temperatures show a slight decrease, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and a maximum of 44°C (111°F), while the average drops to 33°C (93°F). However, July experiences more precipitation, with 30 mm (1.2 in) over four days and a significant increase in humidity to 55%. This combination of warmth and higher humidity in July creates a distinctly different weather experience compared to the dry heat of May. For more details on July weather, you can read about it here: Timbuktu weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, we see distinct differences in temperature and humidity levels. May features an impressive range with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and a scorching average of 35°C (96°F), peaking at 45°C (114°F) without any precipitation. In contrast, August experiences slightly higher minimum temperatures at 23°C (74°F) and a lower average of 31°C (89°F), with a maximum of 43°C (110°F). Additionally, August is notably wetter, receiving 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain over nine days, which significantly increases humidity to 65%, compared to May's modest 21%. For more details on the weather in August, you can check Timbuktu weather in August.
In May, the weather in Timbuktu is characterized by high temperatures, with minimums of 21°C (70°F) and maximums reaching up to 45°C (114°F). The month is extremely dry, experiencing no precipitation and humidity levels around 21%. In contrast, September brings slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums of 24°C (75°F) and maximums of 42°C (108°F). However, it is notably more humid, with humidity levels climbing to 65% and an average precipitation of 19 mm (0.8 in) over three days. This shift in weather patterns makes September feel more tropical compared to the sweltering heat of May. For more details on September's weather, check out Timbuktu weather in September.
May and October present distinctly different weather patterns, though both months remain dry with negligible precipitation. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and average highs reaching 35°C (96°F), peaking at a scorching 45°C (114°F). In contrast, October enjoys slightly cooler temperatures, featuring a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and an average peak of 32°C (91°F), with a maximum of 42°C (108°F). Additionally, October's humidity is significantly higher at 50%, offering a contrast to May's drier atmosphere with just 21% humidity. For more details about October weather, you can check Timbuktu weather in October.
In May, the weather is considerably hotter, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a scorching maximum of 45°C (114°F), while the average temperature rests at 35°C (96°F). The month experiences very little precipitation, with humidity levels around 21%. In contrast, November brings a cooler atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) and an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). Despite the drop in temperature, November also sees no precipitation, and humidity is slightly lower at 19%. For a detailed look at the conditions during this month, check out Timbuktu weather in November.
In May, temperatures soar dramatically, with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and highs reaching up to 45°C (114°F), making it one of the hottest months of the year. The humidity is relatively low at 21%, and there’s no recorded precipitation, resulting in dry and sweltering conditions. In contrast, December offers much milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a cool 10°C (51°F) to a warm 37°C (99°F) and a comfortable average of 24°C (75°F). Despite the drop in temperatures, December also experiences very low humidity at 18% and no precipitation, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. For a closer look at the weather specifics, you can check Timbuktu weather in December.
As May rolls into Timbuktu, the weather transforms into a hot and dry landscape, with peak temperatures soaring well above the average for other months. This month stands out with its blistering heat, reaching up to a sweltering 45°C (114°F), complemented by a rare chance of rain, as precipitation is almost nonexistent. With a mere hint of humidity at 21%, the air feels particularly arid. In contrast to the cooler and wetter months, May serves as a precursor to the extreme heat of summer, making it essential for visitors and locals alike to prepare for the intense sun. For a detailed overview of the climate patterns throughout the year, check out Timbuktu Climate.